First Muzzleloader Decision

[Machingeaneer]

Looking for some opinions or advice on a first muzzleloader to use for an elk hunt in CO this fall. My research so far has led me to the following options within my budget:

1. CVA Accura MR-X
2. Used TC Omega
3. Used TC Triumph

I've heard spotty things about CVA quality, seems like people either love them or hate them. Don't necessarily love idea of the collapsible ramrod but it would be workable
T/C's generally get a lot of love but I've also read mixed opinions on the QLA muzzle hurting accuracy with full bore bullets which I'm stuck with in CO.

Any other options I'm missing?

 

[Cereal Killer]

I got the Accura LRX a couple years ago and have been satisfied with it. Nitride barrel, breaks down into 3 pieces easily, super easy to clean, no issues with the collapsable ram rod, and shoots well. The 30” barrel is nice for longer shots and it’s drilled for a scope mount, I’ve only used irons on it for Colorado.

 

[ElDiablito]

You’ve likely seen me write this before, but, I wouldn’t waste my money on anything CVA makes. Lots of better choices out there.

A used TC Omega would be my choice. I own 7-8 at the moment. Best muzzy ever designed, IMO. You can upgrade it with a Woodman Arms adjustable headspace breech plug and/or a smokeless capable high quality barrel down the road if you like.

As for the QLA, some were off-center. If you get one that for that reason, doesn’t like full bore bullets, you can either use a sub base under the conical or have it cut/recrowned. I’ve done both.

You’re running out of time for this fall! Opener is 50 days away!

 

[elkguide]

Omega is the answer.

 

[TWard]

Smokeless is the best answer. Buy once, cry once. Minimal cleaning, better performance, the newest innovations

 

[TWard]

Smokeless is the answer. Minimal cleaning, newest technology, maximum performance.

 

[Machingeaneer]

Smokeless is the answer. Minimal cleaning, newest technology, maximum performance.

It's a Colorado hunt, no smokeless allowed.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I have a CVA optima V2 and accura, no problems with either for <150yd open sight hunting as required in CO (along with full bore and no smokeless allowed). If it was another state that allowed scopes and smokeless I might have considered other options with better performance potential but with the limitations of CO I didn't see the point.

The Optima V2 has a one piece rod on the gun and is cheaper if you are concerned about the collapsible rod. The ergonomics on the accura is nicer but the optima isn't horrible and its also lighter.

Smokeless is the best answer. Buy once, cry once. Minimal cleaning, better performance, the newest innovations

The OP clearly stated this is for CO which doesn’t allow smokeless (nor do many other states), so it’s foolish to make a recommendation like this universally.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

To expand on the above, both my CVA are set up with Williams front globe sights, I have both reticle inserts and fiber optic ones depending on if hunting timber or open country. The reticle are more precise but harder to see in dimmer conditions. Both have the rear rails with a peep at the very back right before the breech, this allows for the longest sight radius and also allows you to mount a scope on the rail if you were so inclined (for other states or practice) without having to remove or adjust your rear sight.

Both have BH209 breech plugs, I use BH209 and mainly have been shooting thor bullets, the guns are <3" at 100yd for a few shots which is as good as my eyes are gonna do so really nothing to complain about within the limitations of the state's rules.

 

[Machingeaneer]

I handled an Optima at Scheels yesterday and had a hard time getting a good sight picture without smashing my face into that molded cheek piece. That leaves me with the Accura. Is it really more of a price vs. value gripe with CVA's? Or are there more serious concerns over reliability and accuracy?

I do like the upgrade potential of an Omega down the road if I choose someday and the prices on the secondhand market beat the Accura. As noted above though, I do need to get something in hand to practice with soon.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

You'd probably want to change out the sights anyways, the factory front sight covers a pie plate at 100yds (more or less) the sights I put on mine noted above are both taller and the globe allows a fine crosshair with some insert options. That will help with cheek weld some if you were considering that route. I don't have an issue with it, I normally run low scope rings though on my rifles for comparison.

I couldn't answer the gripe on CVA because for my uses my experience has been perfectly fine.

 

[RnnHntr]

Any reason you are not looking at traditional rifles? I hunt here in Colorado with both flinters and traditional percussion guns and have not felt handicapped. Look at a used TC Renegade for a reliable rifle that will handle anything here in Colorado. If open sights are a problem for you, it is easy to add a good quality peep and you will have a longer sight radius than most in-lines. I will go out on a limb here and say that given Colorado's rules for hunting with muzzleloaders, a traditional will do anything a modern in-line will do, and just as well.

 

[ElDiablito]

I will go out on a limb here and say that given Colorado's rules for hunting with muzzleloaders, a traditional will do anything a modern in-line will do, and just as well.

 

[TaperPin]

Any reason you are not looking at traditional rifles? I hunt here in Colorado with both flinters and traditional percussion guns and have not felt handicapped. Look at a used TC Renegade for a reliable rifle that will handle anything here in Colorado. If open sights are a problem for you, it is easy to add a good quality peep and you will have a longer sight radius than most in-lines. I will go out on a limb here and say that given Colorado's rules for hunting with muzzleloaders, a traditional will do anything a modern in-line will do, and just as well.

The TC Renegade or one of their other traditional designs are great rifles. We would get a good chuckle when it would outshoot open sighted centerfire lever action rifles with sub 3 MOA Maxi Ball groups.

 

[Machingeaneer]

Well I messed around on gunbroker and now own an Omega. Was able to get it for a good bit less than the cheapest Accura I've been able to find so that's cool. I'll keep this updated as I found out how I did on this purchase.

 

[ElDiablito]

Well I messed around on gunbroker and now own an Omega. Was able to get it for a good bit less than the cheapest Accura I've been able to find so that's cool. I'll keep this updated as I found out how I did on this purchase.

Great choice!

 

[ElDiablito]

Well I messed around on gunbroker and now own an Omega. Was able to get it for a good bit less than the cheapest Accura I've been able to find so that's cool. I'll keep this updated as I found out how I did on this purchase.

Come back and post pics and your experience with it.

 

[CascadeHunter180]

Well I messed around on gunbroker and now own an Omega. Was able to get it for a good bit less than the cheapest Accura I've been able to find so that's cool. I'll keep this updated as I found out how I did on this purchase.

Congratulations on the gun!